The Human Intimacy Podcast

Understanding Anxiety: Tools for Managing Stress and Building Connection (Episode #42)


Listen Later

Understanding Anxiety:

Tools for Managing Stress and Building Connection

In this episode of the Human Intimacy Podcast, Dr. Kevin Skinner and MaryAnn Michaelis dive into one of the most prevalent mental health challenges of our time—anxiety. As the holidays approach, many feel the weight of heightened emotions, family interactions, and personal stress. Dr. Skinner and MaryAnn discuss the biology of anxiety, its relational impacts, and practical tools to manage it effectively. From understanding the role of the vagus nerve to employing techniques like breathing exercises, bilateral stimulation, and mental rehearsal, this episode equips listeners with actionable strategies to navigate anxiety and strengthen their connections during the holiday season and beyond.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:  

1. Books and Theories  

   - The Polyvagal Theory by Dr. Stephen Porges  
   - Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by Dr. Sue Johnson  
   - The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk  
   - Mindfulness for Beginners by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn  

2. Techniques and Exercises  

   - Box Breathing: A simple technique to calm the nervous system.  
   - The Basic Exercise: A vagus nerve-stimulating exercise explained in the episode.  
   - Bilateral Stimulation: Gentle tapping or walking to help reset the nervous system.  
   - Vagus Nerve Massage: Techniques for self-soothing and relaxation.  

3. Digital Tools and Protocols  

   - The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) by Dr. Stephen Porges: A tool designed to regulate the nervous system.  
   - Mental Rehearsal and Visualization: Tools for preparing for anxiety-inducing scenarios.  

4. Additional Support  

   - Human Intimacy Podcast Archive: Explore related episodes on emotional regulation and relational healing.  
   - Contact: Email your questions to [email protected] for tailored advice or resources.  

5. Practical Tips for the Holidays:  

   - Use visualization to prepare for potentially stressful family interactions.  
   - Take short breaks during gatherings to reset and regulate anxiety.  
   - Limit exposure to sensationalized media that might increase stress.  

This episode provides a compassionate and practical guide to understanding anxiety, offering tools to help listeners find safety within themselves and in their relationships.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Human Intimacy PodcastBy Humanintimacy

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

10 ratings


More shows like The Human Intimacy Podcast

View all
Betrayal Trauma Recovery by Anne Blythe, M.Ed.

Betrayal Trauma Recovery

1,414 Listeners

Healing Broken Trust In Your Marriage After Infidelity by Brad and Morgan Robinson

Healing Broken Trust In Your Marriage After Infidelity

738 Listeners

Change Your Brain Every Day by Dr Daniel & Tana Amen

Change Your Brain Every Day

1,994 Listeners

Pure Desire Podcast by Pure Desire Ministries

Pure Desire Podcast

729 Listeners

The Virtual Couch by Tony Overbay LMFT

The Virtual Couch

646 Listeners

From Crisis to Connection - with Geoff & Jody Steurer by Geoff & Jody Steurer

From Crisis to Connection - with Geoff & Jody Steurer

198 Listeners

The Healing Trauma Podcast by Monique Koven

The Healing Trauma Podcast

431 Listeners

Helping Couples Heal Podcast by Marnie Breecker

Helping Couples Heal Podcast

440 Listeners

Porn, Betrayal, Sex and the Experts — PBSE by Steve Moore & Mark Kastleman

Porn, Betrayal, Sex and the Experts — PBSE

180 Listeners

Therapy Brothers by Reclaimed Heart

Therapy Brothers

339 Listeners

Heal from Infidelity by Andrea Giles

Heal from Infidelity

346 Listeners

Being Known Podcast by Being Known Podcast

Being Known Podcast

1,154 Listeners

The Best of You by Dr. Alison Cook

The Best of You

832 Listeners

Betrayal Recovery Radio: The Official Podcast of APSATS by Betrayal Recovery Radio

Betrayal Recovery Radio: The Official Podcast of APSATS

53 Listeners